Connecticut lies on hilly terrain between the Hudson River Valley and Narragansett Bay of Rhode Island. It is not the sunniest state of the USA as it receives an average of 4 sun hours per day. During winters, this figure drops to 2 hours of insolation per day. However, despite the lack of favorable climatic conditions, solar energy has made quite progress in Connecticut.
In 2020, renewable energy contributed to 5% of Connecticut’s electricity demands. Solar energy made up two-fifths of the state’s electricity generation through renewable energy. Among all smaller states, Connecticut has shown the greatest potential for harnessing the benefits of solar power by the use of PV technology.
For the widespread proliferation of solar energy, Connecticut has introduced multiple favorable laws and has tried to create a conducive business environment for the solar industry. Some examples are:
- Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program was introduced by the state of Connecticut. According to this program, local government bodies would provide financing to businesses for the installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology.
- According to Connecticut’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, the state pledged to increase renewable energy’s share in the energy mix from 7% in 2010 to 23% in 2020.
- To incentivize commercial units, Federal PV Tax Credit has been introduced. According to this tax, businesses can claim up to 26% of the cost of a PV system installed at their facility, when filing for income tax.
- Connecticut has also set a target of completely decarbonizing the electric sector by 2040.
According to estimates and calculations, 75% of buildings in Connecticut are viable for optimal production of solar energy. This amounts to 609,000 buildings in total. If the true potential of solar energy is harnessed, Connecticut will produce 12.4 Million MWh AC per of solar energy per year. This will offset 5.4 Million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide.
A snapshot of Connecticut’s current state of solar is as follows:
- Solar Installed (MW): 952.7
- National Ranking: 21st (24th in 2020)
- Solar Jobs: 2,126
- Solar Companies in State: 163 (33 Manufacturers, 65 Installers/Developers, 65 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: $2.4 billion
- Prices have fallen 36% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 1,113 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 30th)
- Current number Of Installations: 57,468
Need for Connecticut Solar Panel Recycling Solutions
The increased rate of solar installation in Connecticut also raises the important question of the disposal of solar equipment. Solar Panels have a useful life of 25 years, after which their operational capacity decreases considerably. Recycling of end-of-use solar panels is being regarded as the most feasible disposal solution
Connecticut is experiencing a state-level drive for the installation of solar energy. If you are looking for decommissioning or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Connecticut, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Connecticut solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight